Considering the Costs

Years ago, I heard a short story about Vincent VanGogh. Whether true or not, it makes a valid and interesting point. Many of you have heard it I am sure and it goes something like this... Vincent VanGogh was walking through the streets of Paris one day when he was noticed by a pedestrian. The pedestrian stopped him saying.. Mr. VanGogh, I love your work! You are so amazingly talented! Could you please draw something for me on this piece of paper? Anything, it doesn't matter. It would mean the world to me. Kindly enough, Vincent took the piece of paper and sketched out a marvelous little piece in a matter of seconds. The man said "let me pay you something, please". VanGogh said no, but the the man persisted. Then he, ok.. ok... $100,000.00 then. Then man looked in disgust stating "but just a minute ago you said it was free and it took you only a matter of seconds!" VanGogh stated "yes, but it has taken me a lifetime to get to this moment where I could create such a masterpiece."

Which brings me to the budgeting topic once again. Most of us have to do it, budget for the things we value most in life. Brides always ask me, why does one event planner, photographer, band, dj, florist, caterer, reception location, or any wedding professional cost dramatically more than another? How is it possible that one would cost 2-4 times as much as everyone else in the area I live? Are they crazy? Are they just sooo busy that they can or have to charge that much?

The truth is, absolutely not. The leading professionals that cost dramatically more are most often more than just proven to be reliable. Often times they are literal geniuses that don't look at their work for you as a paycheck. They look at it as their life's work. Much like the story above, they can take on a task in a moments notice and turn it into a masterpiece. Typically, they don't farm out the details to other people, and have become such a big name because they are trust worthy. They have made it to the top mostly by referral, by doing the best they know how, by not cutting corners, and by driving themselves crazy over the details of every event they work on.

You are generally not only paying for the artistry, but also to their connections to finer products used in your event which adds to their ability to perform at peak each and every time. Most of all, you should be able to put faith and trust in your wedding professionals because they've seen enough to know what is going to work best and what can lead you to disaster. They will understand the risks involved in their inherent professional details, and will know how to take educated risks which lead to one of a kind experiences for you and your guests.

The saying, it's lonely at the top, is also often true. Be wary of any professional that has something negative to say about another. Successful professionals would never do that. But, just like in other things in life, excellence can bring on jealousy from others that are too afraid or lack the talent to dream outside the box. A visit to these professionals in person will often showcase the most caring, ego free individuals who's mission is to educate couples on making smarter decisions.

Budgeting isn't easy, but the wedding is one of the most incredable days of your life. I suggest seeing and meeting all types of professionals on every level before making a hasty decision about what you value most. You will be celebrating with the most valuable people in your life. Have great memories make it a big deal and you will have a wedding that is remembered and celebrated for generations to come.